For crispy music, Grado headphones are the best go-to solution. You can go for in-ears, over-ears, on-ears, wired, wireless, Bluetooth, and high-end noise-canceling headphones. Of course, the best choice depends on. However, GRADO GS1000e Statement Series Wired Open-Back Stereo, Grado GT220 True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones, and Grado Reference Series RS1e Headphones are among the best-reviewed here.
With so many headphones available in the marketplace, Grado offers some of the most precisely designed headphones for audiophiles. In addition, Grado is well revered for crafting top-notch open-back headphones that deliver flawless sound quality.
Grado headphones feature a vintage look that adds more allure to the experience. Therefore, they come in handy for professional needs such as studio set-ups where sound quality is vital. However, the brand has various models to serve different individual needs. So, getting a perfect option demands thorough research and testing of multiple products. This can be challenging.
But, you do not need to worry as we have taken time to check through customers’ reviews and presented the 6 best Grado headphones worth your money.
Keep reading for informed decision-making!
Which Are The Best Grado Headphones?
Below is a round-up of the best Grado headphones to be reviewed with a snippet of their specific features. Check out this segment to determine the best headphones to suit your needs.
Best Crafted Headphones – GRADO GS1000e Statement Series Wired Open-Back Stereo
Hand-stitched with Mahogany touch and 12 conductor cable plus G cushion ear muffs
Best Wireless Headphones – Grado GT220 True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones
True-wireless headphones featuring Bluetooth connectivity and touch-sensitive controls
Best For Audio Elegance – Grado Reference Series RS1e Headphones
Hand-stitched with Mahogany housing, 8 conductor cable, and L Cushion earmuffs
Best In-Ear Headphones – GRADO GR10e Wired In-Ear Headphones
In-Ear headphones coming with multiple silicon tips
Best For Device Control – GRADO iGe3 Wired In-Ear Headphones
In-Ear headphones that come with various silicon tips and featuring an in-built microphone and device controller
Best For Comfort – Grado SR80x Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
Hand-stitched with durable 4 conductor cable and S Cushion ear muffs
Best Priced Grado Headphones – GRADO SR60x Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
Affordable headphones come at under $100 with great features such as 44 mm drivers and an adjustable padded headband.
Best Grado Headphones – Comparison Chart
| Best GRADO Headphones | Best For | Manufacturer | Weight |
| GRADO GS1000e Statement Series Wired Open-Back Stereo | Design | Grado Labs | 14.8 ounces |
| Grado GT220 True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones | Wireless connectivity | Grado Labs | 11.2 ounces |
| Grado Reference Series RS1e Headphones | Audio elegance | Grado Labs | 10.6 ounces |
| GRADO GR10e Wired In-Ear Headphones | In-Ear headphones | Grado Labs | 0.317 ounces |
| GRADO iGe3 Wired In-Ear Headphones | Device control | Grado Labs | 0.317 ounces |
| Grado SR80x Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones | Comfort | Grado Labs | 12 ounces |
| GRADO SR60x Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones | Affordability | Grado Labs | 12.3 ounces |
Review Of Top 6 Grado Headphones
Best Crafted Headphones – GRADO GS1000e Statement Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
Key Features
1. Hand-crafted Mahogany earpieces
2. Excellent dynamics
3. 50mm dynamic transducers
4. 12 conductor cable design
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 3.54 x 9.45 x 9.06 inches |
| Item Weight | 14.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Grado Lab |
| Item model number | GS1000e |
Pros
1. Cushioned earmuffs for comfort
2. Excellent vocals for crispy sound output
3. Lightweight Mahogany build
4. Hand-stitched for best aesthetics
Cons
1. Warranty only applicable in the US
2. Channel imbalance issues
Grado GS1000e statement series wired open-back stereo headphones as the most aesthetic headphones that Grado has manufactured. Earmuffs feature vast chambers that fit around the ears for the best comfort while offering you a private music experience. In addition, this open-back design features a Mahogany touch adding more allure to the headset, while the excellent drivers are designed to deliver quality sound output consistently.
Grado GS1000e uses a 50mm dynamic transducer and also incorporates Grado’s new 12 conductor cable. Control of audio quality is also catered for ensuring the stability of both the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum. Grado headphones are well renowned for their excellent midrange spectrum, and it is incorporated in GS1000e model.
The audio presentation features harmonic vocals, excellent dynamics, and full bass that perfectly separate different music layers. In addition, the design is lightweight, ensuring you enjoy music without fatigue.
Best Wireless Headphones – Grado GT220 True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones
Key Features
1. Bluetooth connectivity
2. USB connectivity
3. In-built microphone
4. Wireless charging
5. Extensive battery life
6. Touch-sensitive commands
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 5.7 x 4.3 x 2 inches |
| Item Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Item Model Number | GT220 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium ion batteries required(included) |
| Manufacturer | Grado Lab |
| Bluetooth Version | 5 |
| Charging Time | 2 Hours |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Normal Impedance | 32ohms |
Pros
1. Wireless charging offers up to 6 hours of playback, while case charging delivers up to 30 hours of battery life
2. Touch-sensitive commands for easy control
3. Built-in microphone
4. Excellent sound quality with good bass
Cons
1. Lacks noise canceling
2. Each ear pops up individually on Bluetooth connectivity
3. Inconsistent volume control
Grado GT220 true wireless stereo Bluetooth in-ear headphones come as a new benchmark in true-wireless audio devices delivering up to 6 hours of playtime. A sleek charging case comes along too and can charge the earbuds to deliver up to 36 hours of playback. Also included is a USB cable (USB-C to USB-A) with multiple silicon tips plus a user’s guide. As a result, you enjoy the stress-free connection of the device.
Grado GT220 is minute and legendary, designed to deliver excellent sonic performance and feature 8mm polyethylene terephthalate, full-range drivers. A ‘twist to lock’ mechanism ensures a perfect fit. Touch-sensitive control features allow you to play, pause, skip a track, answer or end calls, and offer volume control. A built-in microphone comes in handy for hands-free calls and allows you to access device assistants such as Siri and Google voice assistants.
Best For Audio Elegance – Grado Reference Series RS1e Headphones
Key Features
1. Excellent drivers
2. Open-back design for best sound output
3. 50mm dynamic transducer
4. Eight conductor cable
Product Specifications
| Item Dimensions | 3.15 x 6.69 x 7.48 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.6 ounces |
| Item model number | RS1i |
| Manufacturer | Grado Labs |
Pros
1. Excellent design
2. Crisp audio quality
3. Lightweight for comfort
Cons
1. Lack noise canceling as open-ear headphones that leak sound
2. Warranty is only available to US-residents
Grado Reference Series RS1e headphones are an excellent choice for audiophiles. Elegant sound is offered by these headphones matching that of other variants in the market. Music is well balanced for the best listening experience.
The model is the hand-crafted headset for added allure and features a 50mm dynamic transducer and an 8 conductor cable design for best curing to optimize sonic performance. Besides, the device is lightweight for subtle comfort.
The open-back design of these on-ear headphones allows music to leak from the headset, and people around you can also hear what you are listening to. However, the absence of a noise-canceling feature makes the Grado RS1e not a good choice while traveling.
Best In-Ear Headphones – GRADO GR10e Wired In-Ear Headphones
Key Features
1. Mini Plug Termination
2. Excellent mid-range performance
3. Comfortable fit
4. Weighs 0.317 ounces
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 2 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.317 ounces |
| Item model Number | GR10E |
| Manufacturer | Grado Labs |
Pros
1. Great sound clarity
2. Lightweight design
3. Comfortably fitting earplugs
Cons
1. The flimsy cable that is irreplaceable
2. Lacks built-in microphone and remote on the cable
3. Restrained bass
GRADO GR10e wired in Ear headphones is a combination of excellent design and continuous improvement on the make. Awesome material added to precision design improves the performance of the headset. In addition, frequency expansion reduces sound distortion while offering superior performance in the mid-range.
Extra support is present for the connector to minimize the chances of breakage. And although the cable seems sturdy, extended use may lead to breakage, which would be quite a loss since it is irreplaceable. Earbuds are made of silicon material and seem to fit into the ears comfortably. Grado GR10e is a good choice for a workout.
Best For Device Control – GRADO iGe3 Wired In-Ear Headphones
Key Features
1. In-built Microphone
2. Device Control
3. Mini-plug termination
4. Wide bandwidth driver
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 5.6 x 4.4 x 1.4 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.317 ounces |
| Item model number | IGE3 |
| Manufacturer | Grado Labs |
Pros
1. Mini plug termination offers compatibility with most smart devices
2. A Controller inclusive of an in-built microphone for hands-free calls as well as voice commands
3. Wide bandwidth driver provides premium audio performance
4. Fitting earbuds ensure subtle comfort to the user.
Cons
1. The flimsy cable that is irreplaceable once broken
Grado iGe3 wired in-ear headphones feature a traditional mini-plug terminal that allows compatibility with most smart devices, including the iPhone. However, in some cases, it requires an adaptor. Sound-wise, they are quite excellent and deliver ample bass for the best experience. In addition, earbuds are comfortable and fit just right into the ears making these headphones a good choice if you love working out.
Noise-cancelling is catered for by the fitting earbuds. Furthermore, new wide-bandwidth drivers enhance sound performance by delivering premium audio output without chunk out large amounts. A controller is also present and is inclusive of a built-in microphone for hands-free calls.
You can control volume through the controller that also features play, pause, and skip commands. Plus, the device allows you to access device assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant via the microphone.
Best For Comfort – Grado SR80x Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
Key Features
1. Adjustable and padded headband
2. Braided cabling
3. 4th generation 44mm drivers
4. 4-conductor tempered copper wiring
5. Lightweight build
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 9.17 x 7.95 x1.93 inches |
| Item Weight | 12 ounces |
| Item model number | Grado SR80x |
| ASIN | B091G75MKL |
| Manufacturer | Grado Labs |
Pros
1. Improved 44mm drivers ensure sound integrity while reducing distortion
2. Braided cabling improves cable life by reducing twisting and enhance durability
3. Enhanced and adjustable headband composed of synthetic material to fit different sizes
4. Super tempered copper wire enhances the purity of the audio signal
Cons
1. Uncomfortable if worn for long hours
Grado SR80x prestige series wired open back stereo headphones to come with the fourth generation Grado drivers specifically engineered with an enhanced circuit and a lightweight voice coil for improved efficiency. In addition, 44mm drivers are also housed in this headset to reduce sound distortion.
A braided sheath ensures durability by preventing twisting the cable while the 4-conductor copper cable is tempered to enhance audio purity. An adjustable headband made of synthetic material ensures the headset can fit different sizes for a more comfortable experience.
Grado SR80x headphones are lightweight for ample comfort, with foam earpads resting firmly on your ears. The pads can be removed for cleaning purposes and also replaced in case they wear out.
Best Priced Grado Headphones – GRADO SR60x Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
Key Features
1. Braided cabling
2. Adjustable synthetic headband
3. 4th generation Grado tuned 44mm drivers
Products Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 9.17 x 7.91 x 1.93 inches |
| Item Weight | 12.3 ounces |
| ASIN | B091GGWP2Y |
| Item model number | SR60x |
| Manufacturer | Grado Labs |
Pros
1. Enhanced cable sheath eliminates twisting while enhancing durability
2. The synthetic headband is adjustable to accommodate different sizes
3. Re-engineered drivers eliminate audio distortion
Cons
1. A bulky cable that leads to discomfort
Grado SR60x is the first in the Brooklyn line-up and delivers the best audio output for its price range. Sound clarity is guaranteed thanks to the fourth-generation 44mm Grado drivers that feature an enhanced magnetic circuit. This is further enhanced by a lightweight voice coil that improves efficiency while reducing audio distortion.
Durable braided sheathing houses the 4-conductor cable that is super tempered to uphold music integrity and improves audio quality. An upgraded synthetic headband is also included in this headset and is adjustable for the best comfort and accommodates different sizes of heads.
Which Are The Best Grado Headphones? (Buyer’s Guide)
Grado Labs is a family-run business that has been operational since 1953. They have been crafting high-end headphones in Brooklyn, New York, and are renowned for outstanding build quality and crispy sound quality. Their headphones are mostly open-back designs that are hand-stitched for the best user experience. Below is a breakdown of factors to consider while shopping for Grado headphones:
Aesthetics
Headphones are more than sound-enhancement devices. Users demand to feel more attached to their headphones, and this is where aesthetics come into play. GRADO GS1000e Statement Series Wired Open-Back Stereo headphones feature the best looks, and this surely adds a premium statement. These open-back headphones feature a leather headband with premium Mahogany housing. Their ear cushions offer ample comfort and are large enough to fit on top of ears without feeling too tight.
Connectivity
Although most Grado headphones are wired, they also have an assortment of wireless headphones that perform just excellently as the wired ones, and some come with added functionality. An example is the true wireless Grado GT220 True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones. It connects via Bluetooth and is charged wirelessly, delivering up to 30 hours of playback when charged using the case. Additional functionality includes device control and touch-sensitive controls.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is one essential factor that cannot be overlooked when buying any kind of headphones. For Grado, the SR80x model is an improvement of the SR60x takes the lead in audio performance. A new and more powerful speaker is fitted into this headset featuring a lightweight voice coil with upgraded 44mm drivers that improve sound quality while reducing distortion, purifying the sound of the music. Inclusive is a more durable 4-conductor cable that is tempered to improve the audio signal and S cushions for the comfort of the user’s ears. Nonetheless, the other 5 models reviewed here don’t disappoint when it comes to sound quality.
Weight
Bulk is a turn-off for audiophiles who want to enjoy crispy music without the fatigue associated with a heavy headset. Grado’s iGe3 is the latest addition to the high-performing in-ear series. A wide bandwidth driver improves the sound quality and the total performance of the headphones. An in-built microphone comes inclusive, which also features device control compatible with Google Assistant and Siri. Included are four silicon tips just in case you lost one. As a result, Grado iGe3 delivers a powerful punch that is way above its weight class.
FAQs
1. Are Grado Headphones Warranted?
Yes, Grado headphones are warranted. However, the warranty only applies to buyers from the US.
2. How Do Grado In-Ear Headphones Compare To Bose Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones For Flying?
Grado in-ear headphones provide better noise isolation than other headphones. For example, noise-canceling headphones can do excellent in isolating low-frequency noise such as airplane engines but not so well for higher frequency noises.
Noise-isolating headphones, however, have one oddity of creating sound oddities. Bose headphones do not focus on sound quality, so Grado delivers better sound quality than Grado in-ear headphones. However, if your priority is noise isolation, Bose noise-isolating headphones are better.
3. Can Grado True Wireless Headphones Be Paired With More Than One Device?
Yes, Grado true wireless headphones can be paired to more than one device but will only connect to one device at any one time.
4. Can Grado True Wireless Earbuds Be Used Separately To Answer A Call Or Listen To Music?
Using one earbud is possible, but impossible to have both connected while directing different audio channels to each earbud.
5. Do Grado’s Truly Wireless Earbuds Have A “Hear Through” Feature?
No, Grado’s earbuds lack the transparency mode but are designed such that you can use one earbud if you like.
6. Do Grado’s Earbuds Have The Find My Earbud Feature?
No, Grado’s earbuds do not have this feature. They lack any additional features apart from the few touch controls since the selling point of these earbuds is the sound quality.
Final Take
Grado headphones are mostly open-back classics meant to relay premium sound quality and come in different series ranging from reference series, prestige series, wireless series, professional series, in-ear series, and limited series. The brands’ devices are hand-stitched with exquisite precision for the best user experience and mostly feature a Mahogany touch.
Grado GT220 True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones emerge the top among the reviewed. It features wireless connectivity enabled by Bluetooth version 5 and comes with touch-sensitive controls plus a built-in microphone and ample playback time.
GRADO GS1000e Statement Series Wired Open-Back Stereo is a good choice for the wired headphones and falls into the statement series because they make a statement from their enticing allure and mahogany toning. Ear cushioning is great, offering plenty of space for comfortable wear. In addition, the presentation of sound quality is intricate, as well as excellent music layering.
